PTO Not Engaging

[rbr]

PTO started to engage and immediately stopped. Belt to mower deck is broken. PTO does not appear to be spinning.

Does the belt have to be on for the PTO to engage?

Don't know if PTO failure caused the belt to break or the PTO does not work because the belt broke. Don't want to replace and have another belt immediately break
Thanks

 

[Rivets]

With the engine off but the key in the run position engage the PTO switch. You should hear it click. Or, if you have a friend feel the PTO when the switch is engaged. Either way will tell you if it is good. I would get a friend if your hearing is like mine. Pull the spark plug wire for safety reasons when doing these tests.